News Tamil Nadu

Massive Protest In Chennimalai Over Attempts To Rename Chennimalai As ‘Kalvari/Yesu Malai’ Sparks Outrage

October 14, 2023
The Commune

A massive protest was held in Chennimalai on (13 October 2023) organized by Hindu Munnani and other Hindu orgainzations, after provocative speeches and attempts were made by Christian Missionaries calling for renaming of “Chennimalai” into “Yesu Malai” or “Kalvaari Malai”

The protest saw a huge turnout with thousands of Hindus participating, proudly waving saffron flags, creating the impression of a saffron wave.

The Reason For Protest

Chennimalai is situated between Erode and Coimbatore. It is known as Siragiri and Chenniyangiri in Devanagiri, and Chennimalai in Tamil, the hill lends its name to the city at its base. The hill is also referred to as Sigaragiri, Pushpagiri, and Siragiri. Notably, the revered hymn ‘Kanda Sashti Kavacham,’ praising Lord Murugan, was first staged by Sri Bala Devaraya Swamigal at this temple.

In Kathakodikkad, part of the Murungathovu Panchayat within the Chennimalai Union of Erode District, a Christian ‘jebakootam’ (prayer meeting) gathering took place at the residence of one John Peter on 17 September 2023.

During this prayer meeting, tensions flared as Hindu Munnani insisted that such ‘jebakootams’ cannot be held in residential areas without required official permission.

This dispute escalated into a heated altercation, with both sides involved in physical confrontations. Subsequently, the Chennimalai police initiated legal proceedings against Hindu Munnni, following a complaint from the Christian group. As a result of this incident, two members of the Hindu Munnani were arrested and detained.

Adding to the already volatile situation, Christian leaders announced during a demonstration in Chennimalai on the 26 September 2023 that they intended to transform the revered Chennimalai Murugan Temple hill into a Christian site named Kalvari Malai or Yesu Malai. This revelation left the Hindu community deeply perturbed.

The Hindu Munnani has accused the Christian Munnani, along with certain local Christian missionaries instigated by certain political parties, of publicly giving a controversial speech saying that the sacred Hindu worship site of Chennimalai will be renamed.

The Protest

On Friday (13 October 2023), a massive demonstration took place in front of the Chennimalai bus stand condemning the blatant attempts by Christian missionaries to rename Chennimalai into “Kalvari/Yesu Malai”. Many people from surrounding regions of Erode, Salem, Coimbatore and Namakkal thronged to Chennaimalai for the massive protest. The people called for strict action against the Christian missionaries for attempting to disturb the communal harmony of the place. The protest was led by Hindu Munnani State President Kadeswara Subramaniam with other leaders of Hindu Munnani participating. The ladies assembled sang devotional hymns in praise of Lord Murugan.

Subscribe to our channels on Telegram and WhatsApp and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.